Moray club drivers involved in rally crash

A RALLY spectator sustained life threatening injuries after being struck in an accident involving members of Elgin’s 63 Car Club.

Three others were also hurt when a car ploughed into them as they tried to help a female driver who had crashed into a ditch at Saturday’s Granite City Rally.

It is understood that Aberdeenshire driver Rachel Medich and co-driver Katherine Begg’s Nissan Micra spun off in the first stage of the event in Durris Forest, Banchory, where they were helped by several members of the public

Police confirmed a second vehicle, a Peugeot 306 driven by Simon Hay and navigated by Daniel Forsyth, from Elgin, followed the Micra off the forest track and collided with four male spectators.

Race organisers said on Sunday that two of the spectators underwent surgery in Aberdeen after receiving serious leg injuries, and were in a critical but stable condition.

One of the men, believed to be in his 50s, had been taken to hospital in Aberdeen with leg and pelvic injuries, where his condition had been described as "life threatening.

A third man was stable in hospital while a fourth was detained overnight for observation.

Both cars involved in the incident were representing 63 Car Club in Elgin, who organise the Speyside Stages rally, Moray’s leg of the Scottish Rally Championships.

Second driver Mr Hay, from Aberdeenshire, said via his Facebook page: "Big thanks to Rachel Medich and Katherine Begg for their fast response to the injured. "Very good work from you both and all the rest involved."

Ambulance and police attended the incident at around 11.15 on Saturday morning.

Inspector Ewan Innes from Grampian road policing department, who attended at the scene, said Grampian Police will be working closely with the Procurator Fiscal, race organisers and Aberdeenshire Council to carry out a full enquiry into the circumstances of the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.